Hands-On Galabao Class with Chef Yia Vang (SOLD OUT)

Join James Beard-nominated chef Yia Vang and his mother for an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and education! This unique experience offers a hands-on class led by Chef Yia, highlighting Hmong culture, food, and his renowned Minnesota State Fair dish, Galabao. Participants will learn to make these savory, meat-filled steamed buns alongside Chef Yia, while enjoying a platter of small bites such as spring and egg rolls, dips, and salads. As the buns steam, Chef Yia will share stories of his family, culture, and culinary journey.

This class not only promises delicious fun and education but also coincides with AAPI Heritage Month. We strongly believe in recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Join us in showing your unity and support for this remarkable group of people.

Proceeds from this class will directly benefit Hmong families and villages currently residing in the mountains of Vietnam. Chef Yia's family has developed a deep connection with these families, who are striving to find stability. They have been sending financial support over the years, and now, with your participation, they aim to further assist by funding the construction of wells and supporting the families' livelihoods.

In Chef Yia's words:

"Over the years, my mom and dad have formed bonds with a group of Hmong families living in the mountains of Vietnam. My dad has always dreamt of returning to the mountains to live peacefully and farm a small plot of land. Having fought in wars from the age of 12 until his 30s, he now desires a peaceful life. My parents have big hearts for these struggling Hmong families. As a family, we have been sending money to support some of these families. My mom is determined to find a way to financially support this village so they can build wells and sustain their families. Proceeds from this class will support the Hmong families of these villages."

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the rich culture and flavors of the Hmong community while supporting a meaningful cause. Reserve your spot today and be a part of something truly special.

About Chef Yia Vang:

One of seven siblings, Chef Yia Vang was born in a Thai refugee camp where he lived until his family resettled in central Wisconsin. A trained chef who started his career working as a dishwasher, Yia uses food to tell a story and believes that every dish has a narrative. Through sourcing what’s in season and combining local traditions with those from his family and cultural traditions, Yia brings Hmong flavors to American palates and invites people to change how they think about food by considering the influences in each bite.

His vision for Vinai, his new restaurant concept, (slated to open in 2024  in Northeast Minneapolis) is to create a home for his Hmong food that celebrates his parents’ legacy and tells his family’s story through food. Yia is the host of Outdoor Channel’s Feral along with TPT’s Relish series and has been featured on National Geographic and CNN’s United Shades of America. Among other accolades, he was the cover story of the May 2020 issue of “Bon Appetit” magazine. Yia was also named  MSP Magazine's “Chef of the Year 2019" and was recently voted “Best Chef 2020” in City Pages “Best-of” issue.